Kochi: Police have registered a criminal case against a North Indian YouTuber for allegedly attempting to incite communal tensions through a viral video targeting a popular art cafe in Fort Kochi. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders, while local influencer Diya Krishna issued a public apology after facing severe backlash for commenting on the post.

 

Case registered against YouTuber

Fort Kochi Police booked Amrit Singh Darren under Sections 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 192 (provocation with intent to cause a riot) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The action follows a video shared on his Instagram handle alleging that Kashi Art Cafe, located in a prominent tourist hub, displayed a statue of Muhammad Ali Jinnah alongside Mahatma Gandhi and served beef due to the area's Muslim population.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the content creator posted the video knowingly to disrupt public tranquility and provoke communal friction. The FIR noted that the creator falsely linked the cafe's name to the Hindu holy city of Kashi to fan religious sentiments, whereas the establishment's name originates from a Japanese word meaning “luminous”.

The video mischaracterised an artwork by renowned artist Riyas Komu featuring both Jinnah and Gandhi, completely omitting its artistic significance to peddle a communal narrative.


Political condemnation and secular spirit

Chief Minister VD Satheesan firmly asserted that Kerala stands united against attempts to sow religious discord, warning that strictly enforced legal measures will be taken against those peddling hatred. 
 

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the vlogger's remarks, accusing external forces of attempting to poison Kerala's secular fabric.

In a post on X, Vijayan noted that destinations like Fort Kochi and Varkala represent spaces where diverse cultures intertw. He alleged that after failing to polarise the state directly, communal elements were outsourcing hate campaigns to online provocateurs for financial gain. He urged the state government to initiate strict legal action against anyone attempting to foster religious enmity.

 

Diya Krishna issues clarification

The controversy also drew in Kerala influencer Diya Krishna, who faced intense online criticism after commenting “Sad Reality” under the hate video.

Krishna subsequently issued a public apology, clarifying that she had commented without watching the full video and that her response was directed solely at the mention of Jinnah, rather than the anti-Muslim rhetoric.


Reports indicate the same content creator had previously posted a similar provocative video targeting the Muslim community at Varkala Beach.